“Witty, suspenseful script
shows that clothing and plumbing have evolved over the past
400 years, but foibles and longing are consistent factors in
human affairs. Script makes fine use of formal language as a
seductive tool, with humiliation and elation ebbing and flowing
on the turn of a phrase (…) Molière buffs will
delight in locating bits and pieces of his plays in this imaginary
venture.”
Lisa Nesselson, Variety

In 1644, Jean Baptiste
Poquelin, also known as Molière, is only twenty two and
his illustrious Theater Troupe, founded the previous
year, is bankrupt. Hounded by creditors, Molière is thrown
into jail. When the jailors finally let him go, he disappears.
Historians have found no trace of him before he reappeared with
his troupe several months later. Taking this mystery as his
starting point, Laurent Tirard concocted an elaborate historical
fiction in which the young Molière is released from prison
by Mr. Jourdain. This wealthy bourgeois settles Molière's
debt on the understanding that he will teach him the craft and
art of the stage. Mr. Jourdain is infatuated with the lovely
but poisonous Célimen, whose salon gathers suitors and
great wits. He craves to impress her but she only has disdain
for him. To ensure that his love interest remains a secret from
his wife, Elmire, Mr. Jourdain presents Molière as an
austere private tutor. Molière falls in love with Elmire
who, at first, only has harsh words for this holier-than-thou
figure who invaded her home. Trapped in this untenable situation,
Molière's eyes and mind will open to life itself and
to his work as an artist. It is from this tale, and from his
passion for Elmire, that Molière, the great dramatist,
is born.